Chapter 36: Pretty Woman

[Chapter 36: Pretty Woman]

Everyone was engrossed in Penny Marshall's explanation when they noticed the last question directed at Eric. At that moment, Eric's fame soared above that of many seasoned directors. People were saying that even if he released a lousy film, his star power alone would guarantee profits for any investors. That was, in fact, the exact reasoning behind Barry Diller's recent agreement to package three films for Eric.

"There are several good scripts, but I haven't decided which one to shoot yet," Eric stated honestly. He had initially intended to make a film solely to propel Jennifer Aniston into the spotlight, but unfortunately, the girl had declined. Now, he had to consider other projects first.

A few people froze at those words. The industry was flooded with scripts; there was no shortage in the Writers Guild's archives. However, truly impressive scripts had dwindled down to a rare few. Many directors had waited years for a quality script, sometimes failing to release even one film, but here he was -- almost crazily claiming to have several good scripts, unsure of which to make. That was rather disheartening.

"Wow, several scripts, Eric? How about selling me one?" Penny Marshall teased, part envy and part jest.

Eric noticed the expressions on their faces and felt he had overstated things. Although the scripts in his mind truly held merit, saying so made him appear arrogant. "Forget it, Penny. Once 17 Again wraps up, you might just become a mega director with two consecutive hits over a hundred million dollars each. Then you won't need any scripts!"

Eric spoke the truth; in those days, films surpassing one hundred million in box office receipts in a year never exceeded ten. If Penny Marshall managed to pull off two, she'd become the target of several film studios vying for her talent.

Not taking offense at Eric's response, Penny quickly shifted the topic. They chatted for a bit longer until the band in the hall began to play dance music. Penny smiled, "Alright, Eric, we won't monopolize your time. Just look around; those girls are itching to invite you to dance."

Eric glanced around and indeed saw a few lovely ladies gazing at him eagerly, ready for the next move, while he also felt Drew tighten her grip around his arm.

"Let's leave it at that. Oh, Tom, could I get your contact info? Perhaps we could work together sometime?"

Tom Hanks was about to leave when he heard Eric's request. He pulled out a business card and smiled, "Of course! My contact details are right there. Eric, could I get a sneak peek at the script's content?"

Others, curious about Eric's response to Tom, slowed their exit, eager to hear what he would say next.

Eric accepted the business card and tucked it away, noticing the eager looks from everyone around. He shrugged and replied, "Sorry, Tom. I can only say that you'll play a cop, and I can't promise this movie will be a hit, so it won't be my second film. Maybe the third or perhaps even later."

"You really know how to keep us guessing, Eric," Penny complained, disappointed. Tom nodded, accepting the situation, then turned to leave.

...

"Mr. Williams, may I have this dance?" Just as everyone began to scatter, a blonde walked up confidently to invite him. She appeared in her twenties, her features soft and refined. She stood only about 5'4", but her well-endowed figure was quite eye-catching, and with every slight movement, it seemed as if she might spill out of her top, exuding allure.

With a mind full of movie memories, Eric instantly recognized the beautiful woman. Oddly enough, his strongest impression of her wasn't from the more revealing scenes she often appeared in, but rather of a moment in the movie The Hot Spot when she sensually licks an envelope and taunts Don Johnson's character, Harry Madox, telling him to "Beg for mercy."

That image could stir a man's desires more than if she had stripped down completely, and right after, Dan lost all self-control.

Eric momentarily lost his train of thought and hadn't spoken yet when Drew chimed in, unable to contain herself, "Virginia, you don't see me?"

Seeing Drew's slightly indignant expression, Virginia puffed her chest teasingly. "Hey, little Drew, the tighter you hold on to a man, the more likely he is to run away. You can't do that."

"That's my business, not yours." Though she said this, Drew instinctively loosened her hold on Eric's arm, which Virginia noticed, causing her to chuckle.

"Alright, Drew, don't be rude. Go take a spin, and I'll dance with Miss Madsen," Eric said as he gently pulled away from Drew's embrace.

"Eric, I can dance too!" Drew protested weakly, but Eric shot her a look that said to stop fooling around, causing her to stomp her foot in frustration and reluctantly turn away.

"Drew can be a bit much, Miss Madsen. I hope you don't mind," Eric said, turning his attention back to the awaiting blonde.

"Of course not, Eric. Just call me Virginia," she replied, extending her hand. Eric took her hand and led her onto the dance floor.

As he gently wrapped his arms around Virginia's soft waist, Eric inhaled the faint scent of her hair while openly admiring her delicate features. From above, he noticed her long lashes fluttering slightly, her pointed chin making her naturally pretty face appear even more vivid. Suddenly, he understood why so many beautiful girls online angled their selfies from above.

Feeling Eric's scrutinizing gaze, Virginia had the strange impression she was being eyed by a worldly older man. When she attempted to lock eyes with him, her gaze faltered, only holding for less than a second before she looked away.

Having debuted as an actress in the early 80s, Virginia Madsen, despite looking more stunning now at twenty-seven than at the outset of her career, had still only played minor roles in nearly ten films. Though she gained some recognition, it was merely modest. In total, the box office of all her films combined didn't come close to the two-week tally of Eric's current blockbuster, Home Alone.

If it was just about box office numbers, that would have been one thing. However, critics consistently overlooked the effort she put into her performances, sidelining her as just another pretty face relying on her looks. With her thirtieth birthday approaching, if her career didn't make a significant shift soon, her life could end up spent in small films playing forgettable roles.

At the party, the moment Virginia learned of Eric's identity from a friend, she considered that this might be a great opportunity. She originally thought captivating this eighteen-year-old would be a walk in the park, charming him into her orbit with her beauty. If he could really advance her career, she wouldn't mind putting her body on the line.

Yet, they hadn't shared much dialogue at that point. Just a glance from him hinted that her plan wouldn't unfold as smoothly as she'd hoped. The young man before her seemed anything but naive; he resembled more of a playboy than a greenhorn.

"Eric, don't you think it's rude to stare at a lady like this?"

Eric countered, "Not at all. If beauty goes unappreciated, that is the greatest tragedy in the world. As a gentleman, I absolutely refuse to allow such a tragedy to happen."

Virginia felt a touch of pride from Eric's subtle compliment. "So then, Eric, do you think I have any chance of landing the lead in your film?" As she spoke, her petite frame leaned slightly forward, almost pressing against Eric, her curves brushing lightly against his chest.

Now that was forward! Such blatant teasing elicited a natural response from the young Eric, who quickly pushed Virginia's enticing figure back slightly to avoid any embarrassment. "Actually, Virginia, seeing you brings two words to my mind: pretty woman."

Virginia thought Eric was changing the subject and felt a bit deflated. "Thanks for the compliment, Eric."

"No," Eric shook his head. "It's not just a compliment. It's the title of my next film."

"Next film?" Virginia's large, beautiful eyes brightened up.

Eric nodded. "Yes, I was uncertain about my next project, but after seeing you, a script suddenly popped into my mind. It's called Pretty Woman."

*****

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